ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves expansion of beneficiaries list under Pradhan MantriUjjwalaYojana
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs  chaired by Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, cleared the proposal of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to release deposit free LPG connections to poor families, who have not been considered earlier for release of LPG connections under Pradhan MantriUjjwalaYojana  on account of their names not been covered either in Socio-Economic Caste Census  list or the seven identified categories i.e. SC/STs households, beneficiaries of Pradhan MantriAwasYojana , Antyodaya Anna Yojana, Forest dwellers, Most Backward Classes , Tea & Ex-Tea Garden Tribes, people residing in Islands / river islands, whose names did not appear in the SECC Iist.
Considering several representations received from various quarters, now, poor families who could not get LPG connection under PMUY are now eligible to get a connection subject to fulfilling the eligibility norms and furnishing required documents.
It may be recalled that PMUY was launched on 1st May, 2016 through which deposit free LPG connections are released with the cash assistance of Rs 1600/- per connection by Government of India and also, interest free loan to purchase stove and refill by Oil Marketing Companies. Provision of LPG, among other things, so far, more than 5.86 crore LPG connections have been released under PMUY against the target of 8 crore. 48% of the beneficiaries are SC/STs.
World Health Organisation hailed PMUY as decisive intervention by the Government to facilitate switch to clean household energy use, thereby addressing the problems associated with Indoor Household Pollution.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to a tourist vehicle falling into gorge in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives as a tourist vehicle fell into a gorge in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Shri Modi said that all possible assistance is being provided to the injured. He also wished speedy recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted;
"हिमाचल प्रदेश के कुल्लू में टूरिस्ट वाहन के खाई में गिरने की घटना अत्यंत दुखदायी है। इस दुर्घटना में जिन्होंने अपनों को खो दिया है, उनके परिजनों के प्रति मैं गहरी संवेदना प्रकट करता हूं। इसके साथ ही घायलों की हरसंभव मदद की जा रही है। उनके शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं: PM"
Ministry of Railways
Ministry of Railways launches “Digital Screens” to spread awareness about Indian Railways Heritage
Digital Screens are operational at 22 Railway Stations from Independence Day
QR code based posters on Railway Heritage are also being displayed at these stations
In the wake of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for creating digital museums at stations using QR code, Ministry of Railway has made “digital screens” operational at 22 stations on this Independence Day  as an innovative low cost solution to spread awareness among public about the opulent heritage of Indian Railways. Being initiated on a pilot basis, the project aims at showcasing the legacy of Indian Railways through one to two minute-long movie clips on digital LED screens at the entrance gate of railway stations and also at different comfort areas. The short films will showcase heritage buildings, locomotives and much more to make people aware of the rich heritage of Indian Railways. For now, the digital screens have been set up at New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Howrah, Sealdah, Jaipur, Agra Cantonment, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Varanasi and other railway stations.
In addition, QR code based posters on Railway Heritage are also being displayed at these stations. Passenger can scan the QR code on their mobile to view a streaming video on their mobile on various facades of Railway heritage.
Barring New Delhi and Howrah, where dedicated heritage video walls are being installed, Railways have spent no extra money and have used the existing infrastructure such as the LED screens, back end systems etc. for launching this unique initiative.
Ministry of Defence
BUDGET 2021-22
Capital outlay increased by nearly 19 per cent giving defence modernisation historic push;
Raksha Mantri thanks Prime Minister & Finance Minister for increasing defence budget to 4.78 lakh crore
Union Budget for the Financial Year 2021-22, presented by the Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on February 01, 2021 has given historic push to defence modernisation by increasing defence capital outlay by 18.75 per cent.
Defence allocation in the budget has been increased to Rs 4,78,195.62 crore for the Financial Year 2021-22. Excluding Defence Pension, the total allocations for Defence Services and other organisations/Departments under Ministry of Defence for the FY 2021-22 is Rs 3,62,345.62 crore which is an increase of Rs 24,792.62 crore over the Current FY 2020-21.
The allocation under capital expenditure which relates to modernisation and infrastructure development of Armed Forces has been significantly increased. The allocation under Capital of Rs 1,35,060.72 crore for FY 2021-22 represents an increase of 18.75 per cent over FY 2020-21 and 30.62 per cent over FY 2019-20. This is the highest ever increase in capital outlay of Defence in the last 15 years.
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Capital Outlay on Defence Services
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Year
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Capital BE
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Increase
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%age increase
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2019-20
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1,03,394.31
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9,412.18
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10.01
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2020-21
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1,13,734.00
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10,339.69
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10.00
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2021-22
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1,35,060.72
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21,326.72
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18.75
Allocation under Non-Salary Revenue to meet operational requirement has been increased to Rs 54,624.67 crore. This is 6 per cent growth over FY 2020-21.
The Capital allocation for DRDO has been increased to Rs 11,375.50 crore. This is an increase of 8 per cent over 2020-21 and 8.5 per cent over 2019-20. The allocation for Border Roads Organisation  has been increased to Rs 6004.08 crore which is 7.48 per cent increase over FY 2021-22 and 14.49 per cent over FY 2019-20.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman for increasing the defence budget to 4.78 lakh crore for the Financial Year 2021-22 , which includes capital expenditure worth Rs 1.35 lakh crore. It is nearly 19 per cent increase in Defence capital expenditure. This is the highest ever increase in capital outlay for defence in the last 15 years.
Raksha Mantri said special attention has been paid to economic reforms, employment generation, capital formation and creating infrastructure in India. “Based on 6 pillars of good governance this Budget will usher India into a new era of inclusive growth and prosperity,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh in a series of tweets said, “Several new policies & programmes to support India’s farmers, agriculture, infrastructure and reinvigoration of Human Resource have also been announced. I am glad that the Budget has proposed the opening of 100 new Sainik Schools in the country.” These schools will be set up in partnership with States, Non-Governmental Organisations  and private institutions.
ABB/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Press Statement of Hon’ble Minister of l&B on 51st edition of IFFI
The 51st Edition of the International Film Festival of India scheduled to be held at Goa from 20th November to 28th November, 2020 has been postponed to 16th to 24th January, 2021. The decision has been arrived at after the Minister of Information & Broadcasting Shri Prakash Javadekar discussed the issue with Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister, Goa.
It has also been jointly decided to hold the festival from 16th to 24th January, 2021 at Goa as per the International Film Festival guidelines and protocols. The festival will be conducted in a Hybrid format i.e. Virtual & Physical format. All COVID related protocols will be strictly enforced as per the festivals convened recently in the International Film Festival circuit.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare releases Third Advance Estimates of Area and Production of Horticultural Crops of 2020-21
Record 331.05 million tonnes of horticulture production in the country
This is the result of the Farmer friendly policies, the hard work of farmers and scientists, says Shri Tomar
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released 2020-21  of Area and Production of various Horticultural Crops, compiled on the basis of information received from States/ UTs and other Governmental source agencies. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar informed that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, due to the farmer-friendly policies of the government, tireless hard work of farmers and research of scientists, horticulture production in the year 2020-21 is estimated to be a record 331.05 million tonnes. This shows an increase of 10.6 million tonnes  over 2019-20.
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Total Horticulture
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2019-20

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2020-21

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Area 
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26.48
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27.59
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Production
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320.47
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331.05
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Highlights of 2020-21 
- Total Horticulture production in 2020-21 is estimated to a record 331.05 Million Tonne, which is an increase of about 10.6 Million Tonne  over that achieved in 2019-20.
- Production of Fruits is estimated to be 103.0 Million Tonne, compared to 102.1 Million Tonne achieved in 2019-20.
- Production of Vegetables is estimated to be 197.2 Million Tonne compared to last year’s production of 188.3 Million Tonne that is, an increase of 4.8%.
- Production of Onion is reported to be 26.8 Million Tonne as against 26.1 Million Tonne achieved in 2019-20.
- Production of Potato is estimated to a record production of 54.2 Million Tonne in 2020-21, an increase by 5.6 Million Tonne compared to 2019-20.
- Production of Tomato is reported to be 21.1 Million Tonne, as against production of 20.6 Million Tonne achieved in 2019-20.
- An increase of 6.2%, from 0.73 Million Tonne in 2019-20 to 0.78 Million Tonne in 2020-21, has been registered in Aromatic & Medicinal crops.
- Production of Plantation Crops has increased from 16.1 Million Tonne in 2019-20 to 16.6 Million Tonne in 2020-21.
- Production of Spices has increased by 5.3%, from 10.1 Million Tonne in 2019-20 to 10.7 Million Tonne in 2020-21.
Click here for the summary sheet of the Third advance estimates of 2020-21
Ministry of Tourism
Tourism Industry is one of the largest employers of women workforce: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
Key Highlights:
- Government engages with Industry Stakeholders through various regulatory and voluntary measures to provide conducive environment for women employees to mitigate the difficulties faced by women employees
- This was stated by Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today
Tourism industry workforce faces varied challenges due to tourism industry being largely unorganized, seasonal and fragmented across sectors. Tourism Industry is one of the largest employers of women workforce and the Government engages with Industry Stakeholders through various regulatory and voluntary measures to provide conducive environment for women employees to mitigate the difficulties faced by women employees.
Various provisions in the laws being administered by different Ministries of Government of India provide for safety, equal opportunity and congenial work environment for women employees. These include:
 The Code on Social Security, 2020
 The Code on Wages 2019
 Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 
 Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace  Act, 2013
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Protecting IP Intensive Industries
Intellectual Property  intensive industry is not defined, however, this Department has taken various initiatives to strengthen Intellectual Property Rights  Regime in India like legislative improvements, modernisation of IP offices, manpower augmentation, use of IT and technology, e-filing of applications, acceptance of email in all IPO transactions, online delivery of certificates of grant/registration of patent, trademark and designs in digital format, use of video-conferencing for hearing of IP applications, SMS alert to get updates, expedited examination of IP applications, spreading awareness in IPR, India’s accession to WIPO administered treaties, signing of pilot Patent Prosecution Highway  project with Japan in the month of December 2019.
Impacts of the initiatives taken during last 5 years are as under:
- Period of examination of new Trademarks applications has been reduced from 13 months to less than 30 days.
- Trademark is registered in less than 7 months, if there are no objections or opposition filed, as compared to 3-5 years required earlier.
- 11.25 lakh trademark registrations in just four and half years  as compared to 11 lakh registrations during 75 Years .
- Patent examination increased from 22631 in 2014-15 to 85426 in 2018-19.
- Time required for patent examination reduced from average 72 months in 2014- 2015 to average around 36 months in 2019.
- Grant of patents has increased from 5,978 in 2014-15 to 15,283 in 2018-19.
The Government of India has been working steadily to improve India’s ranking in Global Innovation Index  and this is evident from the fact that India has been consistently moving up on global ranking in past few years. India’s ranking has improved from 81 in 2015 to 52 in 2019 in GII.
Amendments in IP Acts are considered by the Government of India as and when deemed necessary.
This information was given by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Mizoram plays a crucial role in the development of Inland water transport  of Northeast: Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
Water Transport to be developed at Khawthilangtuipui-Tuichawng river with Rs 22.93 crores
Reviews IWT projects of the state, directs officials for swift completion of IWT projects in the state
Hydrographic survey to be conducted from Tuipui D to Lomasu at a cost of Rs 82.30 lakhs
Reviewed the progress of the important Kaladan Multi Modal Transport project in Mizoram
Union Minister of Ports Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the ongoing projects, including the important Kaladan Multi Modal Transport project in Mizoram with top officials from Inland Waterways Authority , Transport Department, Public Works Department  of Mizoram to develop the inland water transport  in Aizwal today. The Minister highlighted the importance that Mizoram plays in the developing a robust inland water system in the Northeast India. The review was also attended by the Minister of State, Transport department, Government of Mizoram, Pu T J Lalnuntluanga and the Chief Secretary of Government of Mizoram, Dr Renu Sharma.
Plans are afoot to develop the inland water transport at Khawthilangtuipui -Tuichawng River stretching upto 23 kms. The total cost of this project Rs 22.93 crore. The PSW Ministry has sanctioned a total of Rs 6.17 crore under Central Sector Scheme. The minister was also appraised about the Hydrographical Survey & Techno Economic Feasibility study conducted covering a stretch of 87.136 kms between River Tiawng at Khamrang village in Mizoram to Gharmura in Assam. A detailed report to develop IWT at River Chhimtuipui was submitted. It has now been decided to conduct Detail Hydrographic Survey and Techno Economic Feasibility Survey on this river from Tupui D to Lomasu stretching upto 138.26 kms. The cost of this survey is budgeted at Rs 82.30 lakhs.
Speaking after the review, the Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Mizoram plays a crucial role in the development of the inland water transport of Northeast. The vision of Prime Minister is to energise the Northeast region as the new engine of growth in India. To achieve this, we must optimally utilise our rivers as means of an economic, swift and ecologically sound means of transport. The economic potential of Mizoram as well as that of the Northeast can be unlocked by developing our waterways & strengthening our logistical access to the world market.”
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Indian men's hockey team wins a Bronze Medal in Tokyo Olympics
A medal win for Indian men’s Hockey team at Olympics after a gap of 41 years
Key Highlights:
- India defeated Germany with 5-4 in an interesting bronze medal match
- President Shri Ram NathKovind and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulateIndian Men’s Hockey team for their performance
- Congratulating Indian Men hockey team, Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur says, India is proud of you
In an historical win, Indian men's hockey team won the bronze medal in Tokyo Olympics 2020 today. It is the first Olympic medal win of Indian men’s hockey team in the last 41 years which they secured with a 5-4 win over Germany in aninteresting bronze medal match.President Shri Ram NathKovind, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur and Indians from all corners of the country congratulated Indian Men’s hockey team for their achievement.Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also spoke to the men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh, head coach Graham Reid and assistant coach Piyush Dubey and congratulated them.
President Ram Nath Kovind congratulated the team and tweeted, “Congratulations to our men's hockey team for winning an Olympic Medal in hockey after 41 years. The team showed exceptional skills, resilience & determination to win. This historic victory will start a new era in hockey and will inspire the youth to take up and excel in the sport.”
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the India hockey men’s team for bagging bronze in Tokyo Olympics. Shri Narendra Modi tweeted, "Historic! A day that will be etched in the memory of every Indian. Congratulations to our Men’s Hockey Team for bringing home the Bronze. With this feat, they have captured the imagination of the entire nation, especially our youth. India is proud of our Hockey team."
Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur congratulated the team and tweeted, “A BILLION CHEERS for INDIA!Boys, you’ve done it!We can’t keep calm!Our Men’s Hockey Team dominated and defined their destiny in the Olympic history books today, yet again!We are extremely proud of you!”
Support from TOPS:
Visa Assistance for various international competitions and foreign trainings
Team Physiotherapist funded by TOPS.
Out of Pocket Allowance of 50,000/ Month for 2 months during 2018 Asian Games
Out of Pocket Allowance of 50,000/Month from March 2021 till August 2021.
Foreign Exposures, National Coaching Camp, Coaches and Support Staff and Equipment provided under ACTC
Funding 
TOPS Team: Rs. 16,80,000
TOPS Individual: Rs. 3,00,000
ACTC Team: Rs. 50,00,00,000
TOTAL: Rs. 50,19,80,000
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
The scheme of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana , being run by Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, includes provision of financial security, healthcare, nutrition, shelter, welfare etc. for senior citizens. Basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, entertainment opportunities are provided free of cost to indigent senior citizens.
The districts of Uttar Pradesh in which the Integrated Senior Citizen programme is not being run under the AVYAY and as notified by the State Government for the year 2021-22 were Agra, Baghpat, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Gorakhpur, Hamirpur, Kasganj, Mathura and Prayagraj. Gap districts for Uttar Pradesh notified for 2022-23 were Mau, Baghpat, Barabanki, Bulandshahr, Kannauj and Kushi Nagar.
Senior citizen homes  under Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens, a component of AVYAY, are provided in gap districts, i.e. districts not having senior citizen homes which includes senior citizen homes not being maintained even by the State Government. Such information is obtained by this Ministry from the respective States/ UTs on the basis of which, applications are invited from eligible organisations on e-Anudaan portal only. Organisations are then selected on the basis of documents provided by them, and also the recommendation of the respective State/ UT Government.
This information was given by The Minister of State Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
PIB Headquarters
Security Stepped up at Chennai Airport ahead of Independence Day
Security measures at Chennai Airport is stepped up in view of 73rd Independence Day. Security has beefed up in all areas of airport including parking lot. Passengers flying out of Chennai Airport are requested to reach airport well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
A special meeting was convened in this regard with all the stake holders, in the airport. The heightened security measures will be in place till August 31st 2019, according to the press release issued by AAI Chennai Airport.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Role of CSIR-IICT in the Synthesis of Agonist molecule for use in COVAXIN developed by Bharat Biotech International Ltd.
The unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic has brought along several challenges to the healthcare sector and many CSIR constituent laboratories have been working relentlessly in partnership with industry to launch repurposed drugs through process development and conducting clinical trials. CSIR labs have also extensively contributed towards the launching of diagnostic kits including Feluda and Dry Swab Direct RT-PCR method for the screening of SARS-CoV-2.
In our country, Bharat Biotech International Ltd.  has emerged as the frontrunner in the development of indigenous vaccine for COVID-19, COVAXIN™. The vaccine developed by BBIL is a highly purified, whole virion, inactivated SARS-CoV2. The vaccine is formulated with Algel-IMDG, which contains chemisorbed TLR7/8 agonist onto aluminium hydroxide gel to generate the requisite type of immune responses. Owing to the significant role played by TLR7/8 agonist molecule in the performance of a vaccine, CSIR constituent lab, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology  based in Hyderabad, was approached by BBIL to develop the synthetic route for the agonist molecule with indigenous chemicals at an affordable price and with highest purity. This agonist molecule has aided BBIL to scale up the production of the adjuvant.
The project was spearheaded by Dr. Chandrasekhar, Director, and Dr. Raji Reddy, Senior Scientist from IICT and has been completed in4 months, a record time in itself. Also, CSIR-IICT team lead by Dr Mohana Krishna Mudiam, Senior Principal Scientist and Professor  played a key role in the development of analytical method for testing TLR7/8 agonist molecule and its method validation procedures through NABL accredited lab.
Acknowledging the work undertaken by CSIR-IICT towards the development of the novel agonist, Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said, “The process technology developed by CSIR-IICT for the agonist molecule is playing an important role in the production of adjuvant for COVAXIN™.”Dr Shekhar Mande, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR complimented the CSIR-IICT team for rising to the occasion in making the process affordable and enabling development of agonist molecule in record time and mentioned that this is yet another instance of CSIRs commitment towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.